Game developer specialising in social play and installations - creator and host of The Incredible Playable Show

Wednesday, 16 January 2013

Let's Get Physical (on iPad!)

Back in Summer 2011 I was busy designing Greedy Bankers vs The World's multiplayer mode - an iPad-only variation where two players compete to make their fortune the fastest. I realised that rather than creating a separate game grid for each player, it would be easier just to build one giant grid with one side assigned to each player.

What came out of that turned out to be one of the most interesting and exciting parts of the game. Players weren't limited to using the gems on their grid. They could just reach over the board and steal anything they needed from their opponent! Players could get in each other's space, and that was great fun. To incentivise it, I added a bonus multiplier to every gem stolen, and the game took on a whole new lease of life.

Gems can be stolen in Greedy Bankers by taking them from your opponent's side

The game was for two players, but required both of them to use the whole screen as if it was their own. Players' approaches ranged from the desperately greedy to the polite and civilised, and some even descended into wrestling matches!

Noting that this was something very special, I wanted to explore this deeper in my next games. As such, it's why I ended up working on Slamjet Stadium - my upcoming multiplayer physics/sport mashup for iPad.

The tablet as a physical space

One of the great things about the tablet is it is a great big interactive canvas. You can do large gestural movements on it, you can play with objects without them being fiddly, and you can easily fit more than one hand on it at once. So it's the perfect device for physically-demanding touchscreen games, and there's plenty of room for multiplayer.
With two players sharing a physical space, the game world extends beyond the limits of the screen. It's no longer just what's on the display that players need to be aware of. They have to take notice of where their opponents' appendages are, in relation to what they're trying to get to. In Greedy Bankers vs The World, stealing a useful gem from right under your opponent's nose calls on this kind of awareness.

There's all kinds of exciting interactions that come out of physical play in games. JS Joust is a (deservedly) popular physical game that frequents games conferences, and soon PS3 thanks to its recent Kickstarter success. For the unfamiliar, in this game players hold a PS Move controller and must not let it move more than a certain amount. To win, players must cause their opponents to move, for example by pushing them or by causing them to dodge or trip. With the physical world so open to variation, players get to use their imagination to find ways to win.

In the tablet space, Michael Brough's O (video above) requires players to grab circles from the playfield, in a similar way to how gems are stolen in Greedy Bankers. However, as the scoring system rewards players to build chains of the same colour, opponents can be sabotaged by being given a circle that would break their chain. Fingle was an IGF finalist that used the multi-touch functionality of the iPad to get players to contort their fingers in various ways, so that players' hands were quite literally part of the game! Both of these require a lot of physical awareness of the other player, and have the player active on the whole of the board - a fresh type of challenge unique to tablet games.

The richness of physical interaction with touch screens and the infinite possibilities in player-to-player interaction makes physical games on iPad a joy to explore. This is why I was so excited to prototype around it, and these prototypes led me to my newest game, Slamjet Stadium.

A real social experience

One of the great things about these kinds of games is that they are so social, in a way that is so often lamented as shared-screen gaming gives way to online multiplayer. Testing for Greedy Bankers, Slamjet Stadium and the prototypes that came in-between commonly took place in the pub, and we'd always have plenty to talk about both during and after playing. They're something to gather around, something to laugh about. These games are perfect for parties, expos, and coffee tables. They generate stories to tell. Because both players are physically involved the experience is genuinely socially interactive, building friendships in a way that online social-network games cannot.

Two friends enjoying Slamjet Stadium at GameCity7

Another great aspect of these games is that players can decide their own rules. Much like board games and playground games, you can add your own variations.JS Joust can be played on your knees, for example. In Slamjet Stadium you can choose to grab an extra player and play two-against-one. The device is just the facilitator of the game, and it's up to players to referee it however they see fit.

In many ways, this is why I embraced the fact that the iPad cannot tell whose fingers are whose. Instead of forcing players to only interact with one side of the screen, Greedy Bankers effectively lets players pretend to be their opponent when stealing. That's what makes it feel so deliciously rebellious!

The iPad cannot identify players by which one is holding which game controller, so why separate players at all? All that the Greedy Bankers code needs to know is which player to award points to - it doesn't care how they were earned.

In Greedy Bankers vs The World, money is awarded to the player whose side the gem is on

Designing Slamjet Stadium as a physical multiplayer game

In Slamjet Stadium, players are not limited to certain sections of the screen - the characters act as their interactive tokens, and they can be manoeuvred to any position on the board. So players are allowed to make use of the whole play-space, but because there's many characters on screen at once there's no sense that you're wrestling over one part of the screen the whole time.

The four characters on the board offer four different ways of getting at the ball at any one time

Incidentally, this is one of the parts of Greedy Bankers that I wanted to improve on; because the centre of the screen was the node for all stealing, the stronger player pushing their opponent's hands away from that area often dominated play. Ideally, there should be some way around that, and having multiple characters in various positions in the arena alleviates this concern in Slamjet Stadium.

Players select different teams, each with their own unique traits, but they quickly notice that they can use any character they like on the board. I leave it to them to decide if they want to limit each player to only use their own team. Of course, adding this rule gives a new way to cheat if players can get away with it!

Dodging sawblades and laserbeams in Last Man Standing mode!

However, in certain stages of play it matters which team is your own, even if you're not controlling them. During "Last Man Standing" rounds, traps emerge and the winning player is the one whose characters survive. So even if you're using your opponent's characters, you need to make sure to throw them in the traps and protect your own! Having separate teams adds a challenge of awareness to play, rather than imposing a limitation on players.

The "Gust" powerup directs a powerful wind towards one of the goals

Similarly, the power-ups are activated by a pad in the centre of the screen, and choosing to activate it so that it affects you positively is a matter of timing. This shifts the focus of play and can benefit those paying attention to the arena as a whole. This is useful, as it prevents the game becoming a mash over one objective. A player who is in a tight spot can activate a power, if they're paying attention, to "flip" the game in their favour.

The balancing act

Of course, balancing all these factors to keep the game constantly flowing is a design challenge. As a designer you have to make sure that the variations are clear and obvious, without being confusing. This means continued player testing, and keeping an eye out for sticking points. Are players confused by any of the elements? Are there any dominant strategies? Is it a case of the most aggressive player winning? While I've been able to test it a lot throughout development, now is the time when all the functionality is in place, so I can really smooth out the experience as a whole.

Fortunately, in these physical games, the human layer means that over-powered strategies may not necessarily be a bad thing. If two players are fighting over the same objective, the human layer becomes the determining factor. Victory is determined by individuals' real-world strength, wits and guile. If a dominant strategy is only dominant part of the time, for example, then racing to to be the first to benefit is an exciting real-world challenge. The important thing is that play does not degenerate into a stalemate, and that's something I am glad to say does not seem to have happened, even from the earliest prototypes.

As a designer, this human layer is what makes these physical games so interesting. Rather than the flow of play being determined by the statistics inside the program, you really are leaving it up to the players to approach it in their own way. They can bend the rules. They can add to the experience by interacting beyond the screen, in that space of infinite possibilities that is the real world.

The players provide the fun, and the programmer is just the facilitator.

I had brought iPad before one month. Thanks for sharing such a nice thing. It will very use full to me. I like Designing Slamjet Stadium as a physical multiplayer game most. It is a very interesting game.

I really enjoy simply reading all of your weblogs. Simply wanted to inform you that you have people like me who appreciate your work. Definitely a great post. Hats off to you! The information that you have provided is very helpful.

This is the initial instance I stopover this blog. Really this is grand employment with the blog. It is incredibly happiness to acquire it as I got gigantic helps right here. I exceedingly be pleased about the bloggers workings and will kill time for more post from the admin.sell your home

This is a great post. More scientific studies are necessary for this www.uk-essay.net. However I do thank you for effort to balance things out. I must be aware of points that made you get to this theory?

Now-a- days global economey is changing , it is essential to keep a clearn concept regarding this. Thanks for sharing this book interactive book R.Kiyosakiego Fri “Conspiracy of the Rich on Global economy. http://galaxyessay.com/.

Truly tremendous vocation with the blog. I do reminiscent of your tough occupation and will stop for more post from you as post gave me pleasure and gives some helps to do same work right here. Thanks a lot…bridge loan lender

In reality splendid occupation with the blog. I do in the vein of your rigid effort and will linger for more post from you as post gave me joy and gives some helps to do same work right here. Thanks a lot………

Good ideas embody psychological feature, sentience and imagination. individuals area unit quite demanding today. the bulk would maybe swear they might speak on voluminous topics, whether or not it's a standard issue or online degree programs . as a result of it underlies most human actions and interactions and need attention.

Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you could be a great author.I will remember to bookmark your blog and will often come back at some point. I want to encourage that you continue your great work, have a nice holiday weekend!

I’m influenced. You’re actually well acquainted and very smart. essay writers You conceived something that individuals could appreciate and made the subject intriguing for every individual. I’m holding this for future use.

Your exceptional learning and thoughtfulness in playing with all the pieces was exceptionally handy.written essays I don't realize what I might have done assuming that I had not experienced such a stage as this.

Actually it is extremely easy to create some sort of time period papers. Were here as well as were often ready to provide the best program about best time essay editing service. We all can coach you on the best way to create some sort of time period papers. Cheer around as well as go to the web page to your revise time period papers and creating hint.

I really like this position, you are exceedingly outstanding making them,which will be a legitimate position to purchase mighty exposition at. I'm likewise a expert in this subject so I can grab your diligent work.online proof read

Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you could be a great author.I will remember to bookmark your blog and will often come back at some point. I want to encourage that you continue your great work, have a nice holiday weekend!thankFriv,Kizi,Yepi,Juegos,

Very informative item so numerous intriguing things i found out here which increase my information so much.Well i am acquiesced to some of your points and you have emphasised right theme at the right time,,thesis proofreading

To start with the first line of my commentary – I do like to give a big thanks to the blog honor. Really it is a great work by him and I discovered a good help by his/her great information. I just desire to notify, delight keep it up your work. occasionally I will check with you are posting and updating. Looking ahead to your more posts. payday loans Riverside

Set purposeful script aim and entrust to complete them in addition to you will turn into a more industrious author http://41onlinecasino.ch/ As you total more composing task you will add to your odds of bulletin and earnings from an earnings fromings from your inscription.

lately, a study displayed that casino sport can have a affirmative effect on the brain and the proficiency to best online casinos perform perplexing jobs, and now another study reinforces the theory that online wagering can benefit health. ..

This is the prime second I even have glimpsed your content and do harking back to to mention to you – it's actually pleasing to observer and i greeting your arduous work. although if you expected did it in AN undemanding method that may be very persuading. whereas over all I exceedingly proposed you and guaranteed can foresee a allotmentment of mails like this. articulate gratitude you most. auto title loans

This is the first blink I have glimpsed your content and do like to notify you – it is if reality be notified pleasing to glimpse and I be convinced about your hard work. But if you did it in a clear-cut way that would be actually good. But over all I considerably suggested you and certain will linger for more mails like this. articulate thankfulness you so much. auto title loans oceanside

This is the foremost wink I surround glimpsed your snug and do approximating to announced you – it's if truth be notified satisfying to investigate and that i glimpse your laborious work. although if you foreseen did it in AN easygoing approach that will be exceedingly fastidious. while over all I exceedingly administered you and certain can foresee supplemented mails like this. many articulate thankfulness such a allotment. Thanks a lot.............. auto title loans st. louis

I effortlessly have a glimpse here and seem satisfying to seek out this periodical. Made content conceiving hand and exceedingly cooperative world very broad world very broad world very broad web location. I desire most of we are inclined to UN bureaus are to request out these diversity of things, here we will observe everything. I’m with the content esteem and do esteem him as a decent supplier. Thanks for your efforts and you too. cash advance costa mesa

To conceive with the first line of my comment – I do alike to to present a large-scale thanks to the blog esteem. actually it is a gigantic work by him and I discovered out a high-quality help by his/her large minutia and numbers. I exactly crave to announced, delight stay it up your paid work. seldom I will assemble certain with you are posting and updating. Looking ahead to your more mails. cash advance

Supplementing up ascribe text to your summer understanding has three significant reimbursements. Primary, writing research papers their lasting theme educates us how to contend by means of alike ills in our own life and accept a part of the entire of people.

What contain I entire? Is a volume and a path on the subject of fatality comprehending and it's equitable to interpret it as a very very cautious, trouble-free to chase and affirmative route into kind restorative justice. Considerate how our events sway others is without investigation, expensive in many praises, not least of all because it assists to direct us in our future deductions.

They also have a fantastic Comp Program, with promo giveaways, monthly match deposits, and cash back incentives. VIP has been online since 1999, and has earned a solid reputation as a casino online brasil credible and secure online casino.

I enjoyed reading you post. Really very useful tips are provided here. and i just want say that this article is very nice and very informative article. Keep up the good work. Thanks and keep sharing the quality content.gift cards for cash

Not only do you realise a large deal about it, you realise how to present in a way that persons will crave to read more. I'm so joyous to realise a well renowned individual like you inhabits on the world very very very wide world very very very wide world very very wide world very wide web..Payment Processing Solutions

The app is developed by the people that have access to the core of the blackberry messenger app, and they have developed a version that is compatible with the blackberry! You whatsapp messenger can visit the page to download the blackberry version here: bbm on iphone.

Noting that this was one thing terribly special, I needed to explore this deeper in my next games. As such, it's why I finished up acting on Slamjet sports stadium - my forthcoming multiplayer physics/sport mashup for iPad. denver seo

One amendment prohibits entities that "knew or should have known" they were operating or working for illegal online gambling sites and bans licenses for individuals casinoonline-sverige.com involved in taking wagers, paying winnings or promoting such sites.

Keyword enrichment is another measure that enhances your reach to your target audience. It involves strategically placing keywords in articles relating to the services on your website and on other accessible platforms. denverseo.pw

It is undeniable, however, that there are people who truly make a lot of money by playing online. So, if you love blackjack and is considering playing the game online to earn extra norske casino cash, then it would be prudent to look for casinos that give a high payout rate for the game.

I really enjoy simply reading all of your weblogs. Simply wanted to inform you that you have people like me who appreciate your work. Definitely a great post. Hats off to you! The information that you have provided is very helpful. Thanks.

Fabulous post! This post is extremely wonderful! Thanks for sharing us these matchless posts, it's truly helpful for every human being. I would like to be grateful for your post and I hope your posting series will be continued.

When we talk about essay writers then your imaginative, ingenious, creative and artistic personality come in your mind and you're feeling them to be more respectful than others. This profession is very intriguing and income generating because there are many people on the planet who love to read books, essay service

Such a extremely helpful article. Very motivating to interpret this article. I would like to express thank you for the labors you had made for inscription this overwhelming critique... Order Coursework

Indie developer behind Greedy Bankers and Slamjet Stadium for iOS, and Tap Happy Sabotage for Windows 8.
Alistair develops games for mobile, tablet and big-scale touchscreens, as well as custom hardware for public installations. He also does the artwork and animation for all his games.
Alistair's games often involve physical contact, encouraging cheating and social interaction. He also works in education, creating Maths learning games for Sparx Ltd in Exeter.
Nominated for Best Developer in the 2014 Pocket Gamer Awards, and winner of the Media Choice award at IndieCade 2015.